... narratives from a textile artist's life where specific ideas or techniques have their origins from personal experiences, collections or teaching. I have many areas of interest - usually arts & crafts related.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Once again, I'm using my faithful 'old recipe' for washing some vintage white cotton fabric pieces which I've also used in the past to successfully remove curry stains from a man's cotton dinner shirt!

It's only suitable for 100% cotton so if you'd like to see the step-by-step instructions of how to do it, click this link:

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Here is the reverse side of the central panel, backed with fine nylon net curtain for ease of stitching. The smaller stitches are those used for the initial 'smaller' smocked lines - the large stitches are those of the second smocking (ie the fatter of the rows (see image below).

This shows the 2 sets of smocking lines as well as the black machine stitching rows that hold the embroidered mats in place. Also visible are the various crochet edges of some mats as well as some original 1940s embroidery.

The final outer 'bag' is now on the Humpty, all missing rings replaced. It's now ready for the outer panels & base to be laced on.

As an alternative at this stage, the corner 'ears' could just be left or tied with a cord as per the original 1930's Humpty instructions (specific books mentioned can be found in Bibliography here).

Friday, August 16, 2013

Above image shows the central panel of the main cover which is basically a 26" square 'bag' with an inset (13" square) in the centre.

The 'bag' is made up of 2 x 26" square panels - one having the central panel stitched into it.

The 'bag' is stitched along 3 sides - the last one having 2 zips inserted (to close to the centre).

When complete, the base is put inside the bag and zipped up.

BASE
A fabric base is also needed to assist in helping 'shape' the Humpty - this is 13" square, made from 2 pieces of fabric & bagged out.

SIDE PANELS

Above right is one of the side panels - left is a close-up of the stitching.

Sewing information:

Fabric was cut to size (larger than finished to allow for tuck shrinkage) and backed with a woven interfacing.

A border was first stitched along the upper & lower edges of fabric. This was later used for the eyelets & after this edge had been folded to the inside. (Further stitching was completed only as far as this stitching line.)

The panel was then stitched with a series of horizontal tucks (ie. across the width of the fabric) - the central panel shows this remaining section after directional stitching has been completed. These tucks were pressed in one direction.

Directional stitching was next completed vertically across the panel - first in one direction, then the other (visible as 'herringbone' tucks).

Shorter side edges were folded over & stitched to the inside (later used to thread cord through) - the longer edges had eyelets (used for looping a cord to the rings).

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Here's the start of sewing information for making a Humpty (an alternative name for a Pouffe) - actually I'm repairing my old one I made a few years ago & repairing/cleaning it. If you want to see where I'm at so far click here.

Here's the main 'inner' Humpty:

Basically it's a seat (pouffe) & I made mine a few years ago using an authentic 'Humpty' pattern from around 1930. Adapted somewhat, I made it with a detachable cover (for cleaning or replacement) & was able to use 20 lbs. of scrap clothes, fabric etc to fill it with! (a great way to recycle).

If you want to make one too, the basic pattern's below - sizes & sewing instructions can be found under 'Humpty' if you, click here